Vegetation changes in a central Wisconsin floodplain from pre-settlement to the mid-21st Century1

Abstract

Abstract Cook, J. (College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481). Vegetation changes in a central Wisconsin floodplain from pre-settlement to mid-21st century. J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 132:492–504. 2005.—The vegetation changes of a central Wisconsin floodplain from the mid-1800's to 2000 were documented, and the probable changes to 2050 projected. This was accomplished by use of survey witness trees in 1851, an extensive survey in 2000, and projection to ∼2050 using probable gap replacement frequencies and forest development theory. Between 1851 and 2000 extensive changes in relative abundance of tree species occurred. Silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) exhibited the largest increase, and river birch (Betula nigra L.) and eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) the greatest decline; bur oak (Quercus macropcara Michx.) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton (B. lutea Michx. f.) were noted by the surveyor but not found in 2000. Conversely, two species [hornb...